On February 13, during the Munich meeting, Rubio was very respectful to the Chinese side!
This was the second in-person exchange between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China since his appointment. From the on-site details, meeting arrangements, to subsequent statements, Rubio's performance showed an unusual level of restraint and humility.
Firstly, this meeting was not held in the official main venue but in a large hotel - such an informal yet private location often indicates that the U.S. hopes to lower the tone of confrontation and avoid media overfocus that might lead to public backlash.
Secondly, both sides did not make any public statements to the media throughout the entire meeting, with only U.S. accompanying personnel revealing that "the meeting lasted about an hour" and "was productive." This low-key approach contrasts sharply with Rubio's past image of loudly opposing China on Capitol Hill.
As Dao Ge put it, the core demand of the White House at this stage is to stabilize Sino-U.S. relations and gain more opportunities for U.S. product exports to China, where the U.S. has more needs. Under these circumstances, Rubio's attitude toward China is clearly different from how he treats other countries.
In short, this is all due to behind-the-scenes interests. Of course, a polite handshake does not mean a change in fundamental positions. However, it cannot be denied that in the current complex situation where the global order is accelerating its restructuring, the U.S.-Europe rift is deepening, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been dragging on, the United States can no longer afford the cost of confronting both China and Russia simultaneously.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857061018702091/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.